Utilities Highlights Commitment to Safe Drinking Water During Water Quality Month

• 26 August 2026
• Category: Community Well-Being SJC News Infrastructure
• Tags: 2026

Routine testing and monitoring help ensure high-quality drinking water for utility customers

August is National Water Quality Month, and the St. Johns County Utility Department (SJCUD) is highlighting its commitment to providing customers with safe, reliable drinking water and protecting the water resources our community depends on.

SJCUD’s water source is groundwater drawn from the Floridan Aquifer, which provides water to approximately 90% of Florida’s population. From source to tap, water quality is monitored through sampling and testing throughout the utility system to ensure safe, reliable drinking water for customers.

“Providing safe, reliable drinking water is at the heart of our mission,” said Neal Shinkre, Utility Director for St. Johns County. “Our team works every day to monitor water quality and maintain the systems our customers depend on, while emphasizing customer service and protecting our environment.”

Monitoring water quality is an everyday responsibility at SJCUD. The Environmental Laboratory plays an important role in that work, conducting approximately 25,000 tests each year on water and wastewater samples from facilities throughout the County. This ongoing testing helps ensure drinking water meets state and federal standards and supports the safe, reliable operation of the County’s water and wastewater systems.

Each July, SJCUD publishes annual Water Quality Reports for the previous year, providing customers with information about their drinking water source, treatment, testing and results. The reports give customers a comprehensive look at their water quality and are part of SJCUD’s commitment to transparency and keeping customers informed about the water delivered to their homes and businesses.

Residents can view the latest reports for their utility service area on the St. Johns County Water Quality Reports webpage.

Want to learn more about the work behind your water quality? Watch Inside SJC: Technicians Ensure Our Water is Safe and Reliable for a behind-the-scenes look at how SJCUD monitors and maintains the quality of your drinking water.

Residents Can Help Protect Water Quality

Protecting water quality is a shared responsibility. Residents can help protect groundwater and local waterways through simple actions at home:

• Dispose of medications properly. Never flush unwanted or unused medications down the toilet or pour them down a drain. Residents can use the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Year-Round Drop-Off Locations search tool to find an authorized medication disposal location near them.
• Dispose of household chemicals safely. Household hazardous waste such as motor oil, gasoline, cleaners, pool chemicals, pesticides, batteries and other materials can be taken to the Tillman Ridge or Stratton Road transfer stations for proper disposal.
• Use fertilizers and pesticides responsibly. Follow label directions and avoid overapplication to help prevent excess nutrients and chemicals from reaching groundwater and local waterways.
• Keep pollutants out of storm drains. Stormwater can carry pollutants from streets, yards and driveways into ponds, creeks and other local waterways.
• Use water efficiently. Fix leaks, maintain irrigation systems and use water efficiently to help protect the long-term sustainability of the County’s water supply. Track your water usage online.

These efforts support the St. Johns County Strategic Plan’s focus on protecting and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the County’s water supply.